Tens of thousands line up for West Chester's Old Fashioned Christmas Parade

WEST CHESTER — About 25,000 residents, community members and visitors crowded around the mile-long parade route Friday evening on Market and Gay streets for the annual Old Fashioned Christmas Parade.

“We live on Gay Street. This is our first year; we just moved here,” said Meg Beyer, who was there with her husband, Vince, and their two sons. “This is huge; this is awesome. It reminds me of living in the city.”

Chester County Commissioner Terence Farrell said he was looking forward to walking in the parade this year.

“It’s a great day for a parade, great evening for a parade,” said Farrell. “It’s not as cold as it’s been in some years, but the crowds are good, and this is always a fun event.

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About 15 participating marching bands also competed in the parade for the chance to win a portion of more than $5,000 in prize money.

The parade’s patriotic portion, “Celebrate the Military,” featured appearances from groups such as the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, a Welcome Home Vets float and the Silver Dolphins Drill Team.

Also in the parade were West Chester Mayor Carolyn Comitta, state Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-19th of West Whiteland, and, of course, Santa Claus.

Farrell said the event, organized by the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, is a way to remind residents to stay local, shop local and spend money “where you’re rooted.”

“We are so excited,” said Mark Yoder, chamber president. “We have perfect weather tonight. We’ve got already thousands of people here, and it’s (about) 6:30. Last year we had 30,000 people, so we’re anticipating we’re going to have at least that number this year because we have so many people more here this year than we did last year. People are just so excited, they’re so thrilled to be here tonight.”

Bethany Henry, the chamber’s member services coordinator, estimated about 20,000 to 30,000 people attended the event.

“It’s my first time being at the West Chester Christmas parade, and I’ve grown up in West Chester,” said Ron Zeleski Jr., an intern with the chamber and a student at West Chester University. “It’s truly something to be amazed by. I imagine everyone works very hard for what they have and to see everyone come together — no one’s fighting, everyone’s just happy — it’s a good feeling. It’s the Christmas spirit.”

Chelsea Sammarone, a senior at West Chester Henderson High School who is interning for the chamber, said she had been attending the parade for her entire life.

“Last year I was a spectator, (and) this is the first time I’ve gotten to see behind the scenes, so I get to see a different side of everything,” said Sammarone. “It’s been really neat to see a lot of the process and the setup. The Chamber does a great job, and I think for this being my last parade before I go off to college, it’s only going to grow from here, and it’s just so exciting to see all the people in my community just come together.”

Sammarone also said that the parade is an event that brings the community together.

“I honestly can’t get in the holiday spirit until this parade, so it’s nice to ring in the holiday season,” she said. “It’s just spectacular, and it’s just breathtaking to see this many people supporting the community and coming out for a great event.”